This photographic portrait depicts Eustace Ziegler, the then-nationally famous oil painter who agreed to provide the artwork for George Kosmos’ publication, “Alaska Sourdough Stories.”

Stories from the Kosmos

I had already purchased the book online — and was waiting for it to arrive in my mailbox — when I discovered an article about… Continue reading

This photographic portrait depicts Eustace Ziegler, the then-nationally famous oil painter who agreed to provide the artwork for George Kosmos’ publication, “Alaska Sourdough Stories.”
The George Navarre Borough Building, seen here in December 2011, stands on Binkley Street, but the initial decision to seat borough government in Soldotna — much less what shape that government would take — were not forgone conclusions.

No Simple Matter: Finding the borough a home — Part 6

AUTHOR’S NOTE: Creating a borough government was no easy feat for the citizens and officials of the Kenai Peninsula, starting with incorporation in 1964, followed… Continue reading

The George Navarre Borough Building, seen here in December 2011, stands on Binkley Street, but the initial decision to seat borough government in Soldotna — much less what shape that government would take — were not forgone conclusions.
In this old Cheechako News photo, officials consider an early display map of the Kenai Peninsula Borough, 1969.

No Simple Matter: Finding the borough a home — Part 5

Time and money are always tricky ingredients in government projects.

In this old Cheechako News photo, officials consider an early display map of the Kenai Peninsula Borough, 1969.
These satisfying spiced bagels aren't sweet on their own, but pair well with a honey walnut cream cheese to please any sweet tooth. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)

The simple joy of pumpkin spice

These spiced bagels are chewy and satisfying and pair well with a honey walnut cream cheese.

These satisfying spiced bagels aren't sweet on their own, but pair well with a honey walnut cream cheese to please any sweet tooth. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)
These spiced molasses cookies with golden sprinkles are pillowy and fragrant. Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion

Sweet, spice and everything nice

These soft, pillowy cookies are sweet and fragrant and perfect with a glass of milk.

These spiced molasses cookies with golden sprinkles are pillowy and fragrant. Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion
Serve your London Fog in a lovely cup and enjoy while reading the news. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)

Sip while reading the news

This London Fog is delicious, served in a lovely cup with milk and honey.

Serve your London Fog in a lovely cup and enjoy while reading the news. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)
Crusty and firm bread bowls are best for brothy soups, or make them pillowy soft for thicker stews. Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion

Beautiful bread is performance art

Though these bread bowls will soon be eaten and gone, the effort will not be wasted.

Crusty and firm bread bowls are best for brothy soups, or make them pillowy soft for thicker stews. Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion
Kachemak Bay Writers' Conference attendees fill the room in Kachemak Bay Campus's Pioneer Hall during the opening panel on Saturday, May 18, 2024 in Homer, Alaska. (Delcenia Cosman/Homer News)

Kachemak Bay Writers’ Conference announces 2026 keynote speaker, faculty list

The keynote speaker for the 2026 conference will be poet and essayist, Jane Hirshfield.

Kachemak Bay Writers' Conference attendees fill the room in Kachemak Bay Campus's Pioneer Hall during the opening panel on Saturday, May 18, 2024 in Homer, Alaska. (Delcenia Cosman/Homer News)
A still image from Michael Walsh's "His World and it's Harms" (2025). Courtesy of Michael Walsh.

Porcupine Theater to host ‘LAT59: Filmmaker Forum,’ featuring new films from 3 local artists

The inaugeral event will celebrate the Homer filmmakers over Sept. 25, 26 and 27.

A still image from Michael Walsh's "His World and it's Harms" (2025). Courtesy of Michael Walsh.
Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion
A girl dressed as Snow White takes candy from a witch at the Orca Theater’s Trunk or Treat in Soldotna during Halloween in 2022.

It’s getting to look a lot like Halloween

Kenai and Soldotna will soon be alive with fall fun, trick-or-treating and other seasonal celebrations

Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion
A girl dressed as Snow White takes candy from a witch at the Orca Theater’s Trunk or Treat in Soldotna during Halloween in 2022.
Jaxon Bourne sits in his booth at the Homer Farmers Market with his handmade knives, pens and cutting boards on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025, in Homer, Alaska. Photo by Christina Whiting

Bladesmithing is a journey

Homer youth showcases handmade knives and more.

Jaxon Bourne sits in his booth at the Homer Farmers Market with his handmade knives, pens and cutting boards on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025, in Homer, Alaska. Photo by Christina Whiting
Roasted tofu and quinoa salad with sunflower miso dressing make a high-protein salad to fuel busy afternoons. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)

A meal to feel good about

Roasted tofu and quinoa salad with sunflower miso dressing is a high-protein salad to fuel busy afternoons.

Roasted tofu and quinoa salad with sunflower miso dressing make a high-protein salad to fuel busy afternoons. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)
The author's puppy, Ruthie, is seen in this undated photo. (Photo courtesy Meredith Harber)

Minister’s Message: Prayer for peace

People are hurting — deep in our bones hurting.

The author's puppy, Ruthie, is seen in this undated photo. (Photo courtesy Meredith Harber)
Dolly Farnsworth was another driving force in the early days of the borough. She housed the borough’s first administrative efforts in her own bookkeeping building — initially for free — and assisted borough clerk Frances Brymer with early efforts in taxes, assessing and accounting. (Clark Fair photo)

No Simple Matter: Finding the borough a home — Part 4

The entire borough operating budget for the first six months was about $13,000.

Dolly Farnsworth was another driving force in the early days of the borough. She housed the borough’s first administrative efforts in her own bookkeeping building — initially for free — and assisted borough clerk Frances Brymer with early efforts in taxes, assessing and accounting. (Clark Fair photo)
Nick Varney

Unhinged Alaska: A quick insight into moose

It seems that my style insults some of the intelligentsia who author odes to tree moss and/or are devout lingcod whisperers.

Nick Varney
Amy Burton, Heidi Hinz and Yvette Tappana rehearse “Savannah Sipping Society” at the Kenai Performers Theater near Soldotna, Alaska, on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

It’s all about women

Kenai Performers will liven the stage this weekend a one-act comedy about female friendship.

Amy Burton, Heidi Hinz and Yvette Tappana rehearse “Savannah Sipping Society” at the Kenai Performers Theater near Soldotna, Alaska, on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Gage Sturman and Ella Mallard rehearse “The Girl Next Door” at Triumvirate Theatre in Kenai, Alaska, on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

Looking back at growing up

Triumvirate Theatre stages Joe Rizzo’s “The Girl Next Door.”

Gage Sturman and Ella Mallard rehearse “The Girl Next Door” at Triumvirate Theatre in Kenai, Alaska, on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Virginia Walters (Courtesy photo)
Virginia Walters (Courtesy photo)
The key to this alphabet soup is knife work, and you get extra credit for homemade chicken bone broth. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)

Reading at the table

We had a great time at dinner picking letters out of our alphabet soup and thinking of words that start with them.

The key to this alphabet soup is knife work, and you get extra credit for homemade chicken bone broth. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)
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Minister’s Message: Coasting

Winning at work but losing at home is still losing.

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